CN101153618A - Connecting structure of liquid feeding device, fuel cell power generation device, and electronic equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

The connection structure of the liquid delivery device of the present invention includes: an electroosmotic flow pump, the electrodes are arranged on the upstream side and the downstream side of the electroosmotic material; Road, the upstream part of the above-mentioned electroosmotic flow pump is provided with a degassing hole communicating with the inside and outside of the flow path, and a hydrophobic film that allows air bubbles to pass is provided in the degassing hole; In the upstream liquid-feeding channel, the surface of the upstream-side electrode on which the electroosmotic material is provided abuts to absorb liquid, and a bubble removal path is formed that passes from the side of the abutting surface with the above-mentioned electrode to the side of the above-mentioned hydrophobic membrane.

Description

Connecting structure of liquid feeding device, fuel cell power generation device, and electronic equipment

technical field

The present invention relates to a connection structure of a liquid delivery device including an electroosmotic flow pump utilizing an electroosmotic phenomenon, a fuel cell power generation device including the connection structure of the liquid delivery device, and electronic equipment including the fuel cell power generation device.

Background technique

In recent years, fuel cells have attracted attention as a clean power source with high energy conversion efficiency, and have been widely used in fuel cell vehicles, portable devices, and electrified houses.

In a fuel cell, a pump is used as a power source for transferring fuel or water. Pumps include mechanically operated pumps such as centrifugal type, volumetric rotary type, and volumetric reciprocating type. However, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-22807, an electroosmotic flow pump capable of transferring liquid without a mechanical movable part has been proposed. .

The electroosmotic flow pump is a pump utilizing the electroosmotic phenomenon, and is configured as shown in FIG. 18 . As shown in FIG. 18 , the electroosmotic flow pump includes: an electroosmotic material 502 filled in a pipe material 504 ; an electrode 501 arranged upstream of the electroosmotic material 502 ; and an electrode 503 arranged downstream. The electroosmotic material 502 is composed of, for example, a dielectric such as silica fibers arranged in the flow direction of the pipe material 504 .

The electroosmotic pump works by the following principle. That is, when the liquid contacts the dielectric of the electro-osmotic material 502, the surface of the dielectric is charged, and counter ions in the liquid concentrate near the contact interface, resulting in excess charge. Here, when an electric field is generated in the electro-osmotic material 502 by applying a voltage between the electrodes 501 and 503 , counter ions in the liquid move, and the entire liquid flows due to the viscosity of the liquid. In addition, when the electroosmotic material 502 is silica, the surface of the silica becomes Si-O-, the surface of the silica is negatively charged, positive ions (counter ions) are concentrated in the liquid, and the positive charge is excessive in the liquid. Therefore, if the voltage is applied If the potential of the electrode 501 is higher than that of the electrode 503, the fluid flows in the direction shown in FIG. 18 .

The electroosmotic flow pump driven by the above principle has no movable parts, has a simple structure, and has the advantages of miniaturization, no pulsation, and no noise.

In addition, as shown in Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-95958, an electroosmotic flow pump equipped with a self-filling mechanism and an air pumping mechanism for driving liquid is also proposed on the electroosmotic flow pump.

However, if the electroosmotic flow pump continues to send liquid, air bubbles are generated on both electrodes due to electrolysis of the liquid. Therefore, air bubbles generated in the vicinity of the upstream electrodes are accumulated on the upstream side of the electroosmotic flow pump, so that the effective flow path area of the electroosmotic material may be reduced and the liquid delivery efficiency of the liquid may be reduced. In addition, since the air bubbles generated near the electrodes on the downstream side flow downstream together with the liquid, the flow sensor installed downstream may not be able to detect the accurate flow rate of the liquid due to the passing of the air bubbles.

Contents of the invention

The present invention provides a connection structure of a small-sized liquid delivery device that can well remove air bubbles generated by electrodes of an electroosmotic flow pump, a fuel cell power generation device using the connection structure of the liquid delivery device, and a fuel cell power generation device equipped with the fuel cell power generation device. Electronic equipment for power generating units.

According to a preferred mode of the present invention, a connection structure of a liquid delivery device is provided, which includes: an electroosmotic flow pump, the electrodes are arranged on the upstream side and the downstream side of the electroosmotic material; The upstream side and the downstream side of the above-mentioned electroosmotic flow pump form a liquid flow path, and a degassing hole communicating with the inside and outside of the flow path is provided on the upstream part of the above-mentioned electroosmotic flow pump, and a hydrophobic membrane that allows air bubbles to pass is provided in the degassing hole; and Liquid absorption, provided in the liquid delivery channel on the upstream side of the above-mentioned electroosmotic flow pump, abutting against the surface of the upstream side electrode on which the above-mentioned electroosmotic material is provided to absorb liquid, forming a channel from the contacting surface side of the above-mentioned electrode to the Air bubble removal path on the hydrophobic membrane side.

According to another preferred mode of the present invention, a connection structure of a liquid delivery device is provided, which includes: an electroosmotic flow pump, the electrodes are arranged on the upstream side and the downstream side of the electroosmotic material; The upstream side and the downstream side of the osmotic flow pump form a liquid flow path, and a degassing hole communicating with the inside and outside of the flow path is provided on the downstream part of the above-mentioned electroosmotic flow pump, and a hydrophobic membrane that allows air bubbles to pass is provided in the degassing hole; In the liquid-feeding channel on the downstream side of the above-mentioned electroosmotic flow pump, the above-mentioned hydrophobic membrane is arranged annularly, and a flow channel is arranged in the center of the same plane as the above-mentioned hydrophobic membrane. hydrophilic membrane.

According to yet another preferred mode of the present invention, there is provided a connection structure of a liquid delivery device, which includes: an electroosmotic flow pump, the electrodes are arranged on the upstream side and the downstream side of the electroosmotic material; The upstream side and the downstream side of the osmotic flow pump form a liquid flow path, and a degassing hole communicating with the inside and outside of the flow path is provided on the upstream or downstream portion of the above-mentioned electroosmotic flow pump, and a hydrophobic hole that allows air bubbles to pass is provided in the degassing hole. The membrane is provided with grooves on the outside to serve as air bubble removal paths communicating with the above-mentioned degassing holes.

Description of drawings

The above and further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the attached drawings and the following detailed description, but these are only for illustration, not limiting the scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device 1000 .

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the fuel cell power generator 1 .

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the connection structure 40 of the liquid feeding device viewed from the side of the fuel cartridge 2 .

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the connection structure 40 of the liquid delivery device viewed from the side of the channel control unit 60 .

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of the connection structure 40 of the liquid feeding device viewed from the side of the fuel cartridge 2 .

FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the connection structure 40 of the liquid delivery device viewed from the side of the flow channel control unit 60 .

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line VII-VII of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the electroosmotic flow pump 50 .

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the first absorbent liquid 41 viewed from the fuel cartridge 2 side.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first absorbent liquid 41 viewed from the side of the flow path control unit 60 .

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the moving path of air bubbles viewed from the fuel cartridge 2 side corresponding to FIG. 5 .

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a movement path of air bubbles viewed from the flow path control unit 60 side corresponding to FIG. 6 .

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a movement path of air bubbles corresponding to FIG. 7 .

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of a modified example of the first absorbing liquid 41 viewed from the fuel cartridge 2 side.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a modified example of the first liquid absorbing liquid 41 viewed from the side of the flow path control unit 60 .

FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the second absorbent liquid 42 .

FIG. 17 is a perspective view showing a modified example of the second absorbent liquid 42 .

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the electroosmotic flow pump 50 .

Detailed ways

Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiments described below, various technical limitations are added for carrying out the present invention, but the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following embodiments and illustrated examples.

【Electronic equipment】

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an electronic device 1000 . The electronic device 1000 includes: a fuel cell type power generating device 1; a DC/DC converter 904 for converting electric energy generated by the fuel cell type power generating device 1 into an appropriate voltage; a secondary battery 905 connected to the DC/DC converter 904; fuel cell power generation device 1 , DC/DC converter 904 , and control unit 906 of secondary battery 905 ;

The fuel cell power generator 1 generates electric energy and outputs it to the DC/DC converter 904 as will be described later. The DC/DC converter 904 has the following function in addition to the function of converting the electric energy generated by the fuel cell type power generation device 1 into an appropriate voltage and then supplying it to the electronic equipment main body 901 or the control unit 906 , as well as the following function: The electric energy generated by the device 1 charges the secondary battery 905 , and the electric energy stored in the secondary battery 905 is supplied to the electronic device main body 901 or the control unit 906 when the fuel cell type power generation device 1 is not operating. The control unit 906 controls the fuel cell power generation device 1 or the DC/DC converter 904 so as to stably supply electric energy to the electronic device main body 901 .

Next, the fuel cell power generator 1 will be described in detail.

【Fuel cell power generation device】

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the fuel cell power generator 1 . The fuel cell power generation device 1 includes: fuel cartridges 2, 2; connection structures 40, 40 of the liquid delivery device; a flow path control unit 60; a microreactor 6 and a power generation unit 20 (fuel cell device); The fuel cell power generator 1 is a system including two fuel cartridges 2 , 2 .

The flow path control part 60 is constituted by, for example, a multilayer substrate on which a plurality of substrates are laminated. 30. Furthermore, the flow path control unit 60 includes microvalves 33 to 35 and flow sensors 36 to 38 (built-in).

The microvalve 33 is an on-off valve that allows or prevents the flow of the mixed liquid flowing from the connection structures 40 , 40 of the liquid-feeding device to the vaporizer 7 by closing and opening. The microvalve 34 is a control valve (adjustable valve) that controls the air flow from the air pump 30 to the carbon monoxide remover 9 in the microreactor 6 . The microvalve 35 is a control valve (adjustable valve) that controls the flow of air from the air pump 30 to the burner 10 in the microreactor 6 .

The flow sensor 36 is provided in the flow path from the fuel cartridges 2 and 2 to the vaporizer 7 in the microreactor 6 , and detects the flow rate of the mixed liquid flowing from the fuel cartridges 2 and 2 to the vaporizer 7 . The flow sensor 37 is arranged in the flow path from the air pump 30 to the carbon monoxide remover 9 in the microreactor 6 , and detects the air flow rate flowing from the air pump 30 to the carbon monoxide remover 9 . The flow sensor 38 is provided in the flow path from the air pump 30 to the burner 10 in the microreactor 6 , and detects the flow rate of air flowing from the air pump 30 into the burner 10 in the microreactor 6 .

A mixture of fuel and water is stored in the fuel cartridge 2 . Fuel discharge holes are formed on the wall surfaces of the fuel cartridges 2 , 2 . In the fuel discharge hole, a check valve is embedded. A suction liquid 41 of a connection structure 40 of a liquid delivery device described later is inserted into the check valve.

The check valve is a duckbill valve formed of a flexible and elastic material (for example, elastomer) into a duckbill shape, and the duckbill-shaped tip is inserted so as to face the inside of the fuel cartridges 2 , 2 . The check valve prevents the mixture from leaking from the fuel discharge hole to the outside of the fuel cartridge 2 .

The fuel discharge hole is provided to face the connection structures 40 , 40 of the liquid delivery device, and the fuel cartridges 2 , 2 can be attached to or detached from the connection structures 40 , 40 of the liquid delivery device.

The connection structures 40 , 40 of the liquid delivery device include liquid absorption 41 , 42 and an electroosmotic flow pump 50 , respectively. The first absorbing liquid 41 has a liquid absorbing property, is inserted into the check valve of the fuel discharge hole, and absorbs the liquid mixture in the fuel cartridges 2 , 2 . The second absorbent liquid 42 is made of a softer fiber material than the first absorbent liquid 41 and absorbs the liquid mixture absorbed by the first absorbent liquid 41 .

The electroosmotic flow pump 50 absorbs the mixed liquid absorbed by the second suction liquid 42 as described later, and sends it to the vaporizer 7 in the microreactor 6 .

As shown in Figure 2, the microreactor 6 is a unitized mechanism of the gasifier 7, the reformer 8, the carbon monoxide remover 9 and the burner 10, the gasifier 7 communicates with the reformer 8, and the reformer 8 Communicate with carbon monoxide remover 9. The microreactor 6 is accommodated in a vacuum heat insulating package 11 .

Six ports 12 to 17 are provided on the surface of the microreactor 6 facing the flow path control unit 60 . The first port 12 of the microreactor is the input port communicated with the gasifier 7, the second port 13 of the microreactor is the input port communicated with the carbon monoxide remover 9; the 3rd port 14 of the microreactor is communicated with the burner 10 Input port; The 4th port 15 of microreactor is the output port from burner 10; The 5th port 16 of microreactor is the input port that communicates with burner 10; The 6th port 17 of microreactor is from carbon monoxide remover 9 output port.

The power generation unit 20 is a member in which a fuel electrode 21 having a catalyst, an oxygen electrode 22 having a catalyst, and a dielectric film 23 sandwiched between the fuel electrode 21 and the oxygen electrode 22 are unitized.

Four ports 24 to 27 are provided on the surface of the power generation unit 20 facing the flow path control unit 60 . The first port 24 of the power generation unit is an input port communicated with the fuel pole 21, the second port 25 of the power generation unit is an output port from the fuel pole 21, the third port 26 of the power generation unit is an input port communicated with the oxygen pole 22, and the second port 25 of the power generation unit is an input port communicated with the oxygen pole 22. 4. The port 27 is an output port from the oxygen electrode 27.

As shown in FIG. 2 , an air filter 31 is provided on the suction side of the air pump 30 through which outside air is sucked into the air pump 30 . The air pump 30 is provided with a discharge port 32 , and the air sucked into the air pump 30 is discharged from the discharge port 32 , passed through the flow path in the flow path control part 60 , and supplied to each part.

【Operation of Fuel Cell Power Plant】

Next, the operation of the fuel cell power generator 1 will be described.

First, the liquid mixture is sent from the fuel cartridge 2 to the vaporizer 7 by the action of the connecting structures 40 and 40 of the liquid sending device.

On the other hand, when the air pump 30 operates, outside air is sucked into the air pump 30 through the air filter 31 , and the sucked air is sent from the discharge port 32 to the carbon monoxide remover 9 , the burner 10 and the oxygen electrode 22 .

The mixed liquid sent to the oxidizer 7 is gasified, and the gasified fuel-water mixture is sent to the reformer 8 . In the reformer 8 , the mixed gas supplied from the gasifier 7 is used to generate hydrogen and carbon dioxide and a trace amount of carbon monoxide through the reforming reaction catalyst. In addition, when the mixed liquid in the fuel cartridge 2 is a mixed liquid of methanol and water, catalytic reactions shown in chemical reaction formulas (1) and (2) occur in the reformer 8 .

_CH3OH + _H2O → _3H2 + _CO2 ...(1)

H ₂ +CO ₂ →H ₂ O+CO...(2)

The mixed gas generated in the reformer 8 is supplied to the carbon monoxide remover 9 and mixed with the air supplied from the discharge port 32 of the air pump 30 via the second port 13 of the microreactor. In the carbon monoxide remover 9, as shown in the chemical reaction formula (3), the carbon monoxide gas in the mixed gas is preferentially oxidized (burned) by the selective oxidation reaction catalyst, and carbon monoxide is removed.

2CO+O ₂ →2CO ₂ (3)

Hydrogen is contained in the mixed gas in the state from which carbon monoxide has been removed, and the mixed gas is supplied to the fuel electrode 21 of the power generating unit 20 from the sixth port 17 of the microreactor through the first port 24 of the power generating unit. Air is supplied from the discharge port 32 of the air pump 30 to the oxygen electrode 22 via the third port 26 of the power generation unit. In addition, the hydrogen in the mixed gas supplied to the fuel electrode 21 from the sixth port 17 of the microreactor through the first port 24 of the power generation unit electrochemically reacts with the oxygen in the air supplied to the oxygen electrode 22 through the dielectric film 23, Electric power is thereby generated between the fuel electrode 21 and the oxygen electrode 22 .

In addition, when the dielectric film 23 is a hydrogen ion permeable dielectric film (for example, a solid polymer dielectric film), the reaction shown in the following formula (4) occurs in the fuel electrode 21, and the fuel electrode 21 generates The hydrogen ions permeate the dielectric film 23, and the following formula is generated at the oxygen electrode 22

The reaction shown in (5).

H ₂ →2H ⁺ +2e ^- ......(4)

2H ⁺ 1/2O ₂ +2e→H ₂ O...(5)

Unreacted air in the oxygen electrode 22 is discharged to the outside from the fourth port 27 of the power generation unit. The mixed gas containing unreacted hydrogen gas at the fuel electrode 27 is sent to the burner 10 from the second port 25 of the power generation unit as an output port via the fifth port 16 of the microreactor. Furthermore, air is supplied to the burner 10 from the discharge port 32 of the air pump 30 via the third port 14 of the microreactor. In addition, in the combustor 10 , hydrogen gas is oxidized to generate combustion heat, and the gasifier 7 , the reformer 8 , and the carbon monoxide remover 9 are heated by the combustion heat. In addition, the mixed gas containing various products is discharged to the outside from the fourth port of the microreactor which is the output port of the burner 10 .

[Connection structure of liquid feeding device]

Here, the detailed structure of the connection structure 40 of the liquid delivery device will be described. 3 is a perspective view of the connection structure 40 of the liquid delivery device viewed from the fuel cartridge 2 side, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the connection structure 40 of the liquid delivery device viewed from the flow path control unit 60 side, and FIG. Looking at the exploded perspective view of the connection structure 40 of the liquid delivery device, FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the connection structure 40 of the liquid delivery device viewed from the flow path control unit 60 side, and FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view along line VII-VII of FIG. 3 .

As shown in FIGS. 3 to 7, the connection structure 40 of the liquid delivery device is connected to the electroosmotic flow pump 50, the first suction liquid 41, the second suction liquid 42, the casing 43, the inlet side flow path structure 44 and the outlet side flow channel structure. Road structures 45 etc. constitute.

FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the electroosmotic flow pump 50 . The electroosmotic flow pump 50 includes an electroosmotic material 51 , a holding member 52 , and extraction electrodes 53 and 54 .

The electroosmotic material 51 is accommodated in the holding member 52 in close contact with the side surface. The radial position of the electro-osmotic material 51 is fixed by the holding member 52 .

The electroosmotic material 51 is formed in a disc shape from a dielectric porous material (for example, porous ceramics), fiber material, or particle-filled material, and has liquid absorption. Electrodes are formed on both surfaces of the electroosmotic material 51 by sputtering, platinum vapor deposition, or the like.

The extraction electrodes 53 and 54 are disposed so as to contact electrodes on both surfaces of the electroosmotic material 51 . Circular openings 53 a , 54 a having a diameter smaller than that of the electroosmotic material 51 are formed in the extraction electrodes 53 , 54 . The inner peripheral portions of the electrodes 53 and 54 are in contact with the outer peripheral portions of the electrodes of the electroosmotic material 51 . The axial position of the electroosmotic material 51 is fixed by the extraction electrodes 53 and 54 .

In addition, inside the opening 53 a of the lead-out electrode 53 , the second absorbing liquid 52 and the electroosmotic material 51 are in contact with each other. The electroosmotic material 51 absorbs the liquid mixture that permeates the second absorbent liquid 42 .

As the material of the lead electrodes 53 and 54, iron, copper alloy, SUS, etc. can be used, and gold plating is performed in order to prevent an oxidation reaction caused by contact with the electrodes and the mixed solution. The connection between the lead-out electrode and the electrode surface of the electroosmotic material 51 can be performed using a conductive adhesive (for example, DOITIT FA730, XA-819 manufactured by Fujikura Kasei).

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the first absorbent liquid 41 viewed from the fuel cartridge 2 side, and FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the first absorbent liquid 41 viewed from the flow path control unit 60 side. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , the first liquid absorbing liquid 41 has a structure in which a rod-shaped portion 41 a and a disc portion 41 b are integrally formed. The first liquid absorbing liquid 41 has a hard porous structure and has liquid absorbing properties. The first liquid absorbing liquid 41 is composed of, for example, a porous body formed by sintering polyethylene or polypropylene particles subjected to a liquid permeation treatment.

The rod-shaped part 41a is erected at the center of the plate-shaped part 41b, and is accommodated in the case 43 in order to ensure strength. The casing 43 has a cylindrical shape, and is formed, for example, by plastic working, cutting, or the like of metal such as SUS. With the fuel cartridges 2 and 2 mounted on the flow path control unit 60 , the rod portion 41 is inserted into the check valve of the fuel discharge hole together with the case 43 and comes into contact with the liquid mixture in the fuel cartridges 2 and 2 . Then, the liquid mixture in the fuel cartridges 2 and 2 is absorbed into the first absorbing liquid 41 from the tip of the rod-shaped portion 41 .

The rod-shaped part 41a is repeatedly attached and detached (inserted) in the check valve of the fuel discharge hole through the replacement of the fuel cartridge 2, 2, but since it is reinforced by the casing 43, it can prevent the rod-shaped part 41a from being repeatedly attached and detached (inserted and removed). damaged.

The diameter of the disc part 41b is approximately the same as that of the second liquid absorbing material 42 and the electroosmotic material 51 of the electroosmotic flow pump 50. The fuel moves from the core part of the porous body to the contact surface by capillary force, and the effective flow of the electroosmotic material 51 on the road surface, making the fuel contact effectively.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10 , three notches 41 c are radially formed in the disc portion 41 b.

The second absorbent liquid 42 is sandwiched between the disc portion 41 b of the first absorbent liquid 41 and the electroosmotic material 51 . The second liquid absorbing liquid 42 has a liquid absorbing property, and absorbs the mixed liquid penetrating into the disc portion 41b. The second liquid absorber 42 is made of a fibrous material softer than the first liquid absorber 41 in a disk shape, and is flexible and elastically deformable. Therefore, the impact transmitted from the first liquid-absorbing material 41 to the electro-osmotic material 51 can be alleviated, and since the close contact between the first liquid-absorbing material 41 and the electro-osmotic material 51 becomes better, the impact absorbed by the first liquid-absorbing material 41 can be absorbed. The liquid is effectively sent to the electro-osmotic material 51 .

As such a second liquid-absorbent 42, it is possible to use a material that is easy to moisture-permeable fuel or water and has high hydrophilicity, or a material that combines hydroxyl groups on the inner surface to improve hydrophilicity. Sponge, felt, etc., such as cloth or polyurethane.

In the second absorbent liquid 42, similar to the disc portion 41b of the first absorbent liquid 41, notches 42c are radially formed.

The cutouts 41c and 42c formed in the first liquid absorbing liquid 41 and the second liquid absorbing liquid 42 serve as air bubble removal paths for guiding air bubbles generated from electrodes on the surface of the electroosmotic material 51 to the outside of the pump. In addition, the widths of the cutouts 41c, 42c become wider toward the outside, so that air bubbles can easily escape to the outside.

The inlet-side channel structure 44 is provided on the side of the fuel cartridge 2 with respect to the electroosmotic flow pump 50 . The inlet-side channel structure 44 fits the housing 43 at the center and has an introduction hole 44a through which the rod-shaped portion 41a is inserted.

On the fuel cartridge 2 side surface of the inlet side channel structure 44, an annular groove 44b is formed around the inlet hole 44a, and linear grooves 44c are formed in four directions outward from the annular groove 44b. A plurality of degassing holes 44d penetrating through the inlet-side channel structure 44 are formed in the annular groove 44b. The annular groove 44b, linear groove 44c, and degassing hole 44d serve as an oxygen removal path (bubble removal path).

Even if the surface of the inlet-side channel structure 44 on the side of the fuel cartridge 2 is in close contact with the surface of the fuel cartridge 2, the annular groove 44b and the linear groove 44c can be provided without blocking the deaeration hole 44d. , the air bubbles discharged from the degassing hole 44d can be reliably discharged to the outside.

On the surface of the inlet-side channel structure 44 on the electroosmotic flow pump 50 side, a recessed portion 44e for accommodating the disc portion 41b is formed. A plurality of degassing holes 44d penetrate through the concave portion 44e, and a ring-shaped hydrophobic film 44f is pasted to cover the degassing holes 44d. The hydrophobic membrane 44f has a property of permeating gases such as oxygen and hydrogen, but impermeable to liquids such as water and methanol.

A fuel cell mounted on an electronic device may not be able to fix the posture of the device. Especially in devices such as notebook computers that are often carried and used, the liquid delivery device arranged in the main body of the fuel cell will not be distinguished from top to bottom. The ring-shaped hydrophobic membrane 44f arranged on the electroosmotic flow pump 50 can also prevent air bubbles generated from the electrode on the inlet side of the surface of the electroosmotic material 51 from remaining in the case where the up and down of the electroosmotic flow pump 50 is uncertain. inside the pump, and discharge to the outside in a steady manner.

The outer peripheral portion of the concave portion 44e is joined to the lead-out electrode 53, and the oxygen bubbles discharged from the cutouts 41c, 42c of the first liquid absorption 41 and the second liquid absorption 42 are guided to the degassing holes 44d.

In the outlet-side channel structure 45 , a connecting pipe 45 a protrudes from the center of one surface on the side of the flow channel control unit 60 , and a flow channel for the mixed liquid is formed inside the connecting pipe 45 a. The connecting pipe 45 a is connected to a flow path connected to the microvalve 33 of the flow path control unit 60 .

An annular groove 45b is formed around the connecting pipe 45a on the surface of the outlet side flow path structure 45 on the side of the flow path control part 60, and linear grooves are formed in four directions outward from the annular groove 45b. 45c. In the annular groove 45b, a plurality of degassing holes 45d penetrating through the outlet-side channel structure 45 are formed. The annular groove 45b, linear groove 45c, and degassing hole 45d serve as a hydrogen gas removal path (bubble removal path).

Even if the surface of the outlet-side flow path structure 45 on the side of the flow path control part 60 is in close contact with the surface of the flow path control part 60, the deaeration hole 45d can be prevented from being clogged by providing the annular groove 45b and the linear groove 45c. , the air bubbles discharged from the degassing hole 45d can be reliably discharged to the outside.

On the surface of the outlet-side channel structure 45 on the electroosmotic flow pump 50 side, a recess 45e connected to the flow channel of the connecting pipe 45a is formed, and a deaeration hole 45d penetrates the recess 45e. A ring-shaped hydrophobic film 45f is attached to the recess 45e to cover the degassing hole, and a hydrophilic film 45g is attached to cover the flow path of the connection tube 45a. Contrary to the hydrophobic membranes 44f and 45f, the hydrophilic membrane 45g has a property of permeating liquids such as water and methanol, and impermeable to gases such as oxygen and hydrogen.

Also on the outlet side, the hydrophobic membrane 45f is provided in a ring shape, so that the air bubbles generated from the outlet-side electrode on the surface of the electroosmotic material 51 can be stably discharged to the outside without remaining in the pump, regardless of the posture of the device. .

As the hydrophobic membranes 44f and 45f, T020A manufactured by Advantec Co., Ltd. whose "break through point (break through point)" (the pressure value at which the liquid starts to pass through the membrane when the internal pressure is increased) of 280 kPa can be used as the hydrophilic membrane 45g , For example, SUPOR-450 manufactured by Pall Corporation of Japan having a minimum bubble point (a pressure value at which air bubbles start to pass through the membrane when the internal pressure is increased) of 250 kPa can be used.

(The higher the minimum bubble point of the hydrophilic membrane and the lowest leakage point of the hydrophobic membrane, the more it can prevent the bubble leakage of the hydrophilic membrane and the liquid leakage of the hydrophobic membrane, but in order to make the membrane dense, the hydrophilic When liquid passing through the aqueous membrane and air bubbles passing through the hydrophobic membrane, a pressure loss will occur and the performance of the pump will easily decrease. Therefore, it is necessary to set a hydrophilic membrane and a hydrophobic membrane that match the performance of the electroosmotic material.)

The outer peripheral portion of the concave portion 45e is joined to the lead-out electrode 54, and the hydrogen gas bubbles generated from the cathode are guided to the degassing holes 45d.

In addition, the bonding of the inlet side channel structure 44, the outlet side channel structure 45, and the lead-out electrodes 53, 54, and the bonding between the lead-out electrodes 53, 54 and the holding structure 52 can also use adhesives, as long as they do not come off. According to the present invention, holes can be provided at the four corners and fixed with screws, etc., and the joining conditions and shapes can be freely changed.

[Operation of the connection structure of the liquid feeding device]

Next, the operation of the connection structure 40 of the liquid delivery device will be described.

First, the fuel cartridge 2, 2 is mounted on the flow path control unit 60, and when the rod-shaped portion 41a is inserted into the check valve of the fuel discharge hole together with the housing 43, the mixture of the rod-shaped portion 41a and the fuel cartridge 2, 2 Liquid contact, the mixed liquid in the fuel cartridges 2, 2 is absorbed into the first absorbing liquid 41 from the tip of the rod-shaped portion 41a.

In addition, the liquid mixture absorbed by the first liquid absorber 41 penetrates into the second liquid absorber 42 and the electro-osmotic material 51 .

In the state where the mixed solution permeates the electroosmotic material 51, a voltage is applied between the two lead-out electrodes 53 and 54 so that the electrode on the surface in contact with the second liquid absorbing liquid 42 becomes the anode and the electrode on the opposite side becomes the cathode. , the mixed solution in the electroosmotic material 51 is driven to move to the cathode side, and the mixed solution in the second absorbing liquid 42 permeates into the electroosmotic material 51 from the anode side. Thus, the mixed solution is sent from the anode side to the cathode side. The mixed liquid sent to the cathode side passes through the hydrophilic membrane and flows into the connecting pipe 45a.

If the feeding of the mixed solution is continued, oxygen gas bubbles are generated near the anode and hydrogen gas bubbles are generated near the cathode due to electrolysis of water in the mixed solution. The oxygen bubbles are guided to the outside along the cutouts 41c and 42c formed in the first absorbent liquid 41 and the second absorbent liquid 42 . At this time, since the widths of the notches 41c and 42c become wider toward the outer side, the small air bubbles are guided to the outer side while being combined with each other and becoming larger.

Oxygen bubbles discharged from the notches 41c and 42c pass through the recess 44e in the inlet side flow path structure 44, pass through the hydrophobic membrane 44f and the degassing hole 44d, and pass through the annular groove formed on the outside of the inlet side flow path structure 44. The groove 44b and the linear groove 44c are discharged to the outside.

On the other hand, the hydrogen gas bubbles flow through the mixed solution from the vicinity of the cathode, pass through the concave portion 45e in the outlet side flow path structure 45, pass through the hydrophobic membrane 45f and the degassing hole 45d, and pass through the outlet side flow path structure 45 outside. The annular groove 45b and linear groove 45c are discharged to the outside. In addition, since the flow path of the connection pipe 45a is covered with the hydrophilic membrane 45g, hydrogen gas bubbles do not flow into the flow path of the connection pipe 45a.

In order to easily understand the movement path (removal path) of air bubbles, FIG. 11 , FIG. 12 , and FIG. 13 show the removal path that guides air bubbles to the outside of the pump. 11 , 12 and 13 are diagrams respectively corresponding to FIG. 5 , FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 , in which bubbles are indicated by white circles and moving paths of the bubbles are indicated by arrows.

In addition, when the surface of the inlet-side channel structure 44 on the side of the fuel cartridge 2 is in close contact with the surface of the fuel cartridge 2, the air bubbles discharged from the degassing hole 44d on the inlet side pass through the annular groove 44b and the linear groove. 44c and move. In addition, when the surface of the flow channel control part 60 side of the outlet side flow channel structure 45 is in close contact with the surface of the flow channel control part 60, the air bubbles discharged from the degassing hole 44d on the outlet side pass through the annular groove 45b and the surface of the flow channel control part 60. The linear groove 45c moves.

It can be understood that the function of moving the fuel from the core portion of the porous body toward the contact surface by capillary force and the air bubble removal path that guides the air bubbles generated from the electrodes of the electroosmotic material to the outside of the pump are simultaneously established by this structure.

As described above, according to the connection structure 40 of the liquid delivery device according to the present embodiment, air bubbles generated by the electrodes of the electroosmotic pump 50 can be removed. Therefore, there is no reduction in the effective flow path area of the electroosmotic material 51 due to the accumulation of air bubbles generated near the upstream electrode, and the liquid delivery efficiency of the liquid can be maintained. In addition, since the air bubbles generated near the electrodes on the downstream side do not flow into the flow path of the connecting pipe 45a together with the liquid, the air bubbles do not pass through the flow sensor 36 provided downstream, and an accurate flow rate of the liquid can be detected.

In addition, since the hydrophobic membrane is formed in a ring shape and the degassing holes are arranged in a ring shape, air bubbles can be reliably removed regardless of the direction in which the joint structure 40 of the liquid delivery device is arranged.

In addition, the hydrophobic membrane is formed in a ring shape, and the flow channel provided with the hydrophilic membrane that allows the liquid to pass is arranged in the center of the same plane where the hydrophobic membrane is provided, so that the connection structure 40 of the liquid delivery device can be adjusted. The thickness becomes thinner.

【The first embodiment】

When To2oA manufactured by Advantec Co., Ltd. was used as the hydrophobic membrane, and SUPOR-450 manufactured by Nippon Ball Co., Ltd. was used as the hydrophilic membrane, it was confirmed that the liquid flowed through the hydrophilic membrane to the downstream channel. Bubbles pass through the hydrophobic membrane and the degassing hole by internal pressure, and are discharged to the outside from the oxygen removal path formed outside the inlet side flow path structure and the hydrogen gas removal path formed outside the outlet side flow path structure.

<First modified example>

In addition, in the above-mentioned embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, three notches 41c are provided in the circular plate portion 41b of the first liquid absorbing liquid 41, but as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15 are 6 cutouts 41d, and a cutout (not shown) is also provided on the second liquid absorbing liquid 42 in order to discharge air bubbles more easily.

<Second modification>

In addition, as shown in FIG. 16, a plurality of through-holes 42e may be provided radially in the second liquid absorbing liquid 42 instead of the cutouts 42c, and air bubbles may be discharged from the through-holes 42e. Similarly, a plurality of through-holes (not shown) may be provided radially in the first liquid absorbing liquid 41 .

<Third modification>

In addition, as shown in FIG. 17, instead of the radial notches 42c, a plurality of meandering notches 42f extending from the center toward the outer periphery may be provided on the second absorbent liquid 42, and air bubbles may be discharged from the meandering notches 42f. In addition, you may provide the 1st absorbing liquid 41 with the cutout (not shown) of the same zigzag shape.

The contents of the specification, claims, drawings and abstract of Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-263045 filed on September 27, 2006 are incorporated herein by reference and incorporation.

Although various typical embodiments have been shown and described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention is to be limited only by the scope of the following claims.

Claims (11)

1. the joint construction body of a liquid feeding device is characterized in that, comprising:

Electroosmotic pump, electrode are arranged on the upstream side and the downstream side of electric osmose material;

The flow path configuration body forms the stream of liquid in the upstream side of above-mentioned electroosmotic pump and downstream side, the upstream portion of above-mentioned electroosmotic pump be provided with stream in the degassing orifice that is interlinked to the outside, and, in this degassing orifice, be provided with the hydrophobic film that bubble is passed through; And

The imbibition body is located in the liquor charging stream of upstream side of above-mentioned electroosmotic pump, absorbs liquid with the face butt of the upstream side electrode that above-mentioned electric osmose material is set, and is formed with from the bubble that leads to above-mentioned hydrophobic film side with the bearing surface side of above-mentioned electrode to remove the path.

2. the joint construction body of liquid feeding device as claimed in claim 1 is characterized in that, it is the otch that forms towards the lateral direction of stream from the stream central side of above-mentioned imbibition body that above-mentioned bubble is removed the path.

3. the joint construction body of liquid feeding device as claimed in claim 2 is characterized in that, the above-mentioned otch shape that to be width broaden towards the lateral direction of stream from the stream central side.

4. a fuel cell-type power generation device is characterized in that, comprising:

The joint construction body of the described liquid feeding device of claim 1;

Insert the fuel cassette of above-mentioned imbibition body; And

Fuel-cell device is supplied to fuel in the above-mentioned fuel cassette from the joint construction body of above-mentioned liquid feeding device.

5. an electronic equipment is characterized in that, comprising:

The described fuel cell-type power generation device of claim 4; And

Utilization is by the electronic equipment main body of the work about electric power of above-mentioned fuel cell-type power generation device generating.

6. the joint construction body of a liquid feeding device is characterized in that, comprising:

Electroosmotic pump, electrode are arranged on the upstream side and the downstream side of electric osmose material; And

The flow path configuration body forms the stream of liquid in the upstream side of above-mentioned electroosmotic pump and downstream side, the degassing orifice that in the downstream portion setting of above-mentioned electroosmotic pump and stream, is interlinked to the outside, and, in this degassing orifice, be provided with the hydrophobic film that bubble is passed through;

In the liquor charging stream in the downstream side of above-mentioned electroosmotic pump, above-mentioned hydrophobic film is set annularly, with the same plane of above-mentioned hydrophobic film in central configuration stream is arranged, be provided with the hydrophilic film that liquid is seen through in this stream.

7. a fuel cell-type power generation device is characterized in that, comprising:

The joint construction body of the described liquid feeding device of claim 6;

Insert the fuel cassette of above-mentioned imbibition body; And

Fuel-cell device is supplied to fuel in the above-mentioned fuel cassette from the joint construction body of above-mentioned liquid feeding device.

8. an electronic equipment is characterized in that, comprising:

The described fuel cell-type power generation device of claim 7; And

Utilization is by the electronic equipment main body of the work about electric power of above-mentioned fuel cell-type power generation device generating.

9. the joint construction body of a liquid feeding device is characterized in that, comprising:

Electroosmotic pump, electrode are arranged on the upstream side and the downstream side of electric osmose material; And

The flow path configuration body, the stream that forms liquid in the upstream side and the downstream side of above-mentioned electroosmotic pump, the degassing orifice that in the upstream portion of above-mentioned electroosmotic pump or downstream portion setting and stream, is interlinked to the outside, and, be provided with the hydrophobic film that bubble is passed through in this degassing orifice, being provided with outside becomes the groove that the bubble that communicates with above-mentioned degassing orifice is removed the path.

10. a fuel cell-type power generation device is characterized in that, comprising:

The joint construction body of the described liquid feeding device of claim 9;

Insert the fuel cassette of above-mentioned imbibition body; And

Fuel-cell device is supplied to fuel in the above-mentioned fuel cassette from the joint construction body of above-mentioned liquid feeding device.

11. an electronic equipment is characterized in that, comprising:

The described fuel cell-type power generation device of claim 10; And

Utilization is by the electronic equipment main body of the work about electric power of above-mentioned fuel cell-type power generation device generating.

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